What are Plastics?

Plastic is an integral part of our daily lives, being used in a variety of products such as plastic bags, bottles, containers, and more. But have you ever wondered how this ubiquitous plastic is made? Plastic is made from synthetic polymer resins, which are made from petroleum-based raw materials.

The polymer resin is then molded and shaped into the desired form, such as a plastic bag, bottle, or container. Plastic production has led to a significant amount of plastic waste that is often difficult to recycle, contributing to the buildup of plastic pollution in our environment.

The creation and disposal of plastic has become a critical issue, and with increasing focus on sustainability and environmental protection, the importance of plastic recycling and reducing plastic waste is more important than ever.

Plastic Production (How is Plastic Made)

Plastic is made from a wide variety of materials, but the most common type of plastic is made from petroleum. The process of making plastic from petroleum is called polymerization. The basic steps in the polymerization process include:

Cleaning up plastic on the beach — *Plastic recycling and cleanup*

Extraction of raw materials: Petroleum is extracted from the ground and then transported to a refinery. The refinery separates the different components of the petroleum, such as gasoline and diesel fuel.
Cracking: The heavier components of the petroleum, such as waxes and oils, are broken down into smaller molecules through a process called cracking.
Purification: The cracked molecules are then separated and purified to create specific types of hydrocarbons.
Polymerization: The purified hydrocarbons are then combined in a process called polymerization. This process creates long chains of molecules, called polymers, that make up the plastic.
Shaping: The plastic is then shaped into its final form. This can be done through a variety of processes, such as injection molding, blow molding, or extrusion.
Finishing: Finally, the plastic may be finished or decorated in some way, such as by adding color or a protective coating.

It's worth noting that some plastics are made from other materials such as plant-based materials, recycled plastic or biodegradable materials. There are also some new technologies in development to produce plastics from renewable resources such as algae, sugarcane or cellulose.

Harmful Chemicals with Plastics

Plastics are made from a variety of chemicals, and some of these chemicals can be harmful to human health and the environment. Some common harmful chemicals found in plastics include:

“linked to a number of health concerns, including reproductive problems, cardiovascular disease, and cancer”

Bisphenol A (BPA): BPA is a chemical that is used to make certain types of plastic, including polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It can mimic estrogen in the body and has been linked to a number of health concerns, including reproductive problems, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.
Phthalates: Phthalates are chemicals that are used to make plastics more flexible and durable. They have been linked to a number of health concerns, including reproductive problems, developmental issues in children, and cancer.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs): PCBs are chemicals that were used in the past to make plastics, but have since been banned. They have been linked to a number of health concerns, including cancer and developmental issues in children.
Heavy metals: Some plastics contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. These chemicals can be toxic and can cause serious health problems when inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
Volatile Organic compounds (VOCs): Some plastics can release VOCs, which are harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on human health and the environment.

It's worth noting that many plastic products are safe to use, but it's important to be aware of the potential presence of harmful chemicals in some plastics, and to choose products made from safer materials whenever possible. Additionally, it's also important to properly recycle or dispose of plastic products to minimize their negative impact on the environment.

Effects of Plastic to the Environment

*Plastic cleanup of plastic straws on the beach*

Marine pollution and harm to wildlife.
Leaching of toxic chemicals into soil and water.
Litter and visual pollution.
Energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in production and disposal.
Microplastic ingestion by wildlife and potential transfer to human food chain.
Reduction of biodiversity and disruption of ecosystems.

Plastics have had a profound impact on the environment, with numerous negative effects that are causing harm to ecosystems and wildlife. One major issue is marine pollution, where plastic waste ends up in the ocean and causes harm to marine life such as entanglement, ingestion, and habitat destruction.

Plastic also leaches toxic chemicals into soil and water, contaminating the environment and posing a threat to both wildlife and human health. Plastic litter is also a common problem, creating visual pollution and affecting the aesthetic value of natural areas.

In addition, the production and disposal of plastic consumes significant amounts of energy and produces greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change. Microplastics have become a growing concern, as they are easily ingested by wildlife and have the potential to transfer up the food chain to humans.

The widespread use of plastic is reducing biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems, causing harm to a wide range of plant and animal species.

Important Certifications with Plastics

BPA-free: This certification ensures that a plastic product does not contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a harmful chemical that can cause health problems. BPA-free plastics are considered safer and healthier for human use.
Recyclable: This certification ensures that a plastic product is recyclable and can be reused to create new products. This helps to reduce the environmental impact of plastic and promote a more circular economy.
Food-grade: This certification ensures that a plastic product is safe for food use and does not contain harmful chemicals that can leach into food. Food-grade plastics are used for a wide range of products, including food storage containers and packaging.
ASTM D6400: This certification ensures that a plastic product is compostable and can break down naturally in a composting environment. Compostable plastics are becoming more popular as a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
Cradle to Cradle: This certification evaluates plastic products for their environmental impact across the entire lifecycle, from production to disposal. It looks at a variety of factors, including the use of sustainable and eco-friendly materials, as well as the potential for recyclability and reusability.

How Plastics are Improving

Plastics have a reputation for being environmentally damaging, but there have also been efforts to improve the sustainability of plastic and its benefits to the environment. Some of these include:

“efforts to improve the sustainability of plastic and its benefits to the environment show that it is possible to reduce the harm caused by plastic and create a more environmentally friendly future”

Increased recycling and waste management efforts to reduce litter and ocean pollution, helping to keep the environment clean and protect wildlife.
The development of biodegradable and compostable plastics, which can break down naturally and do not persist in the environment like traditional plastics.
The increased use of recycled plastic in products helps to reduce waste and conserve resources, as it requires less energy to recycle plastic than to produce new plastic from raw materials.
Improved technologies for plastic production with lower environmental impact, such as using renewable energy and reducing emissions and waste during the production process.
Increased public awareness and activism on plastic pollution issues has led to increased efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices.
The development of alternative materials with lower environmental impact, such as bamboo and other biodegradable materials, is helping to reduce the overall environmental impact of consumer goods.

Overall, these efforts to improve the sustainability of plastic and its benefits to the environment show that it is possible to reduce the harm caused by plastic and create a more environmentally friendly future.

FAQ

What are the environmental impacts of plastic?

Plastic has significant environmental impacts throughout its life cycle. Plastic production requires the use of fossil fuels and energy, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Additionally, plastic waste can end up in the ocean and other natural environments, where it can harm wildlife and ecosystems.

Can plastic be recycled?

Many types of plastic can be recycled, but the effectiveness of plastic recycling can depend on the specific type of plastic and the recycling infrastructure available. Some types of plastic, such as single-use plastics and certain packaging materials, may not be easily recyclable.

What are some alternatives to plastic?

There are a variety of alternatives to plastic, including biodegradable plastics, paper and cardboard packaging, and reusable products such as glass and metal containers. Additionally, reducing consumption and waste of single-use plastics can help reduce the overall environmental impact of plastic use.

How can I reduce my use of plastic?

Reducing plastic use can involve a variety of strategies, such as using reusable products, avoiding single-use plastics such as straws and plastic bags, and choosing products with minimal plastic packaging. Additionally, supporting policies and regulations that promote reduced plastic use and increased recycling can help create larger-scale change.

What are the long-term effects of plastic on the environment?

Plastic waste can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, and can have negative impacts on wildlife and ecosystems. Additionally, the production of plastic contributes to climate change and other environmental issues, making it important to reduce plastic use and promote more sustainable alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Plastic is a material that plays a major role in our daily lives and is made from synthetic polymer resins, derived from petroleum-based raw materials. The process of making plastic is simple and efficient, but the consequences of plastic production, including plastic waste and pollution, have become a critical issue.

Plastic recycling is an important step towards reducing plastic waste and preserving the environment. By understanding how plastic is made and the impact it has on our planet, we can work towards making better choices and creating a more sustainable future.